In Gauteng, a man suspected of smuggling stolen bakkies and trucks into neighbouring nations was apprehended.
The Hawks acquired information on accused criminals who carry stolen automobiles into neighbouring nations.
However, this information led to agricultural property in Bapsfontein, a rural community in Ekurhuleni, where a guy driving a Ford Ranger bakkie was seen, said to Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo, who served as a spokesperson.
On Friday, the Tactical Operations Management Section of the Hawks conducted an intelligence-driven, interdisciplinary operation at the location. Tracker Connect, Badboyz Security, GTP Saturation Unit, Vision Tactical SIU, and the Insurance Crime Bureau joined them.
The suspect sought to flee capture as soon as he observed the cops upon their arrival. However, he was intercepted, said Nxumalo.
“An investigation was conducted which led to the recovery of two trucks. One was hijacked in Villiers [in the Free State] this year. The second one was hijacked in Fochville, Gauteng, in July 2021,” Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo.
The interdisciplinary team also discovered and seized several car registration papers, counterfeit licence plates, and mobile phones.
The Ford Ranger bakkie that the suspect was spotted driving was in fact stolen in July 2021 from Durban Central.
Monday’s investigations revealed that a Toyota Hilux bakkie was retrieved by the group. Pretoria’s Gauteng South African Police Service Highway Patrol assisted them.
“It was stolen at Edenvale in June this year,” said Nxumalo.
On Monday, alleged bakkie smuggler Enock Kalubangwe, a 53-year-old foreign national, appeared before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. According to Nxumalo, he is charged with possession of allegedly stolen items.
Nxumalo said that the alleged smuggler was formally charged and arrested.
“He is remanded in custody until 27 September 2022 when he will reappear before the court. More arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation is ongoing.”